Abigayle Marie Claflin has earned the top spot in the Cumberland County High School Class of 2012, followed by Taylor Nicole Vaden as the class salutatorian.
"These are kids who came to high school with their eyes on a target," said Principal Janet Graham. "Their goal was to be the best they can be."
Joining Claflin and Vaden are, at third, Kaitlyn Ashleigh Mathis; fourth, Aaron James Miller; fifth, Robert Paul Minecci; sixth, Nicholas Levi Donathan; seventh, Shannon Mae Babincsak; eighth, Erin Nichole Curry; ninth, Maggie Leigh Bernabei and Dimi Jean Iles; and tenth, Roni Deanne Harris.
"This is the height of the moment," Graham continued as the rankings were announced. "What's important is what you do with the gift you've been given. You're going to take your gift and run with it and be the people who are taking care of us and making decisions for our communities."
Graham also noted this was the 50th class to graduate from CCHS.
Forte's on the Square was filled as the students and their families waited for the announcement. All the students knew they had earned top ten honors, but the rank was kept a secret until Thursday night's dinner.
Graham thanked the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles that came to celebrate the occasion with their students.
"Thank you for you support as parents," she said. "They didn't do this by themselves."
Vaden said, "I did not expect to be salutatorian. I had just hoped to be in the top ten."
Vaden plans to attend Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN. She's not sure what she plans to study at this time.
Claflin plans to attend college at the University of Tennessee and go on to attend law school after completing her undergraduate work.
"This has been worth all the anticipation," she said Thursday. "I love every single one of these people. We've had an unforgettable four years."
Area News
Related Photos
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Students named to the Top Ten at Cumberland County High School in the Class of 2012 are, from left, Maggie Leigh Bernabei, ninth; Aaron James Miller, fourth; Dimi Jean Iles, ninth; Kaitlyn Ashleigh Mathis, third; Erin Nichole Curry, eighth; Abigayle Marie Claflin, valedictorian; Robert Paul Minecci, fifth; Nicholas Levi Donathan, sixth; Roni Deanne Harris, tenth; Taylor Nicole Vaden, salutatorian; and Shannon Mae Babincsak, seventh.
CCHS names Top Ten for Class of 2012
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